About The Production – Centre Stage: A Variety Spectacular

Feature-Centre Stage: A Variety Spectacular

Today, we had a delightful chat with the electrifying host and performer of Centre Stage: A Variety Spectacular. This production promises to spotlight the incredible talents of Queensland’s emerging young performers.

About Centre Stage: A Variety Spectacular

What is this Production about?

Centre Stage: A Variety Spectacular is a celebration of young Queensland talent, showcasing the next generation of performers in one high-energy show. It’s a mix of circus, dance, vocals, magic, acro, and comedy, all created and performed by emerging artists produced by emerging artists. The goal was to build a platform where youth performers could collaborate across art forms and experience what it’s like to be part of a fully produced, professional-style theatre event.

What character are you playing, and what can you share with us about them?

I’ll be hosting the production and performing as a variety artist, blending juggling, magic, and comedy throughout the show. My role is to connect the different acts, keep the energy flowing, and bring the audience along for the ride. It’s fun because I get to be the link between all these amazing young performers and help set the tone for each act.

What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?

The biggest challenge has been weaving together so many different performance styles into one cohesive show, while still giving each performer their own moment to shine. It’s also a huge team effort behind the scenes, with young artists learning how to work in a professional production setting. Balancing creativity, timing, and stage logistics has been a learning curve, but it’s also what makes the show so exciting and rewarding.

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

Well i came up with the idea in early 2025 since I wanted to create a space where young performers could experience what it’s like to be part of a professional production, something that gives them real stage experience, collaboration, and confidence. I’ve been performing since I was five years old, and I know how important it is to have opportunities early on. From that one idea grew many.. many.. many different show types and names but we ended up with Centre Stage.

What sort of person is going to love this show?

Anyone who loves variety, creativity, and seeing pure talent in action! It’s perfect for families, theatre lovers, and anyone who enjoys music, dance, circus, acro, and magic all in one show. There’s something for everyone from high-energy dance numbers to heartfelt vocal performances and jaw-dropping circus acts. It’s fast-paced, funny, and full of heart.

William Piper

What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?

I think they’ll be smiling and talking about how much talent and passion they just saw on stage. Hopefully, they’ll feel inspired, reminded that creativity and performing arts are alive and thriving in young people. It’s the kind of show that leaves you feeling uplifted and proud of what the next generation can do.

What’s going to surprise people about this show?

Audiences will be amazed by the sheer variety and talent on stage. The way these diverse acts flow seamlessly together in a high-energy, family-friendly spectacle is something people won’t expect. It’s a true celebration of creativity and collaboration that surprises and delights at every turn.

How is this production bringing something new to this story?

This production is breaking new ground by being an Australian-first youth collaboration that brings together Queensland’s brightest emerging performers across circus, music, dance, acro, and magic. It’s not just a show it’s a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the next generation of live entertainment in a high-energy, family-friendly format. Audiences will see fresh, original performances that you won’t find anywhere else.

Who has the best costume?

The show features a dazzling variety of costumes across circus, dance, and magic acts, but one standout is Macca Cloke’s costume, whose vibrant blue, intricately bedazzled costume perfectly matches the energy/brightness of the show and creativity of their performance.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

This show is a one-of-a-kind celebration of youth talent. It’s full of surprises, laughter, and incredible performances, and it’s a must-see for anyone who loves creativity, energy, and supporting local arts.

Where can patrons purchase tickets to this production?

To book tickets to Centre Stage: A Variety Spectacular, please visit https://www.trybooking.com/DFGLN.

Thank you for sharing the magic and excitement behind Centre Stage: A Variety Spectacular! Best wishes for your upcoming show; it sounds like its going to be an unforgettable show that will leave audiences buzzing. Break a leg.

Other production interviews can be viewed in our About The Production Series.

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Love Actually? The Musical Parody is All I Want For Christmas

Love Actually? The Musical Parody

Love Actually? The Musical Parody Rating

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Twinkling lights and Christmas tunes greet you as you weave your way through the theatre. Humming along to Feliz Navidad after posing for a photo op like you are debuting the red carpet, you finally get comfortable in your seat. Front row or humble rear seats, the site leaves you breathless:

Before wide-eyed and smiling patrons, the stage transports you into the heart of the iconic Christmas rom-com. Love or despise the characters, storylines and actors that make Love Actually a Christmas special, the contagious cheer and excitement elicited from the reminiscent depiction of the Christmas school concert is contagious. Christmas trees, tinsel, lights, presents and two doors that hold the keys to the exploration of notable characters and questionable notions of love ensures a night to remember.

Comprised of an ensemble of six talented actors that emulate the subtle mannerisms of the renowned actors of the film, it feels as if Hugh Grant, Bill Nighy, Emma Thompson, Kiera Knightley, Colin Firth, Chiwetel Ejiofor and the late Alan Rickman have materialised. William Kasper, Nicole Kaminski, Benjamin Hambley, Dylan Hodge, Stephanie Beza and Ashton Simpson launch the audience into a whirlwind of emotions – humour, surprise and happiness. If parody is a new venture for attendees, then Love Actually? The Musical Parody is the place to be. Clever and vulgarly quick-witted, the musical production takes flight in throwing subtle shade at actor’s for their notorious rom-com lineage and their not-so romantic antics, while featuring their more iconic roles in popular culture to enhance the absurdity of their character’s dilemmas.

 

 

The outrageous and belly-laugh-inducing antics continue throughout the musical production through catchy, original songs that act as a throwback to iconic music of the 2000s, as well as the not-so-subtle innuendo associated with the beloved characters and iconic moments. Although humour and jokes carry the show from start to finish, the parody production offers the audience a chance to reflect on the crucial question guiding the show – is this love, actually? While watching the characters fumble through unrequited and requited love, barriers in language and culture, or searching for ‘love’ abroad, the audience explores what love actually means – rather than accepting the definition presented by the film’s glamorous stars and flashing lights we were told to believe all those years ago.

Love Actually? The Musical Parody is bold, hilarious and is sure to make you leave the theatre with laughter trailing behind you. Regardless of your perceptions of the original film, the exploration of the staple Christmas movie is sure to make your thoughts and opinions of the storyline feel validated.

Think professing your love to your best friend’s wife through a cardboard montage is a tad creepy?

Maybe you are not the only one.

Should Emma Thompson have been granted justice after Joni Michell’s CD greeted her trembling grin, rather than a beautiful necklace she believed was her Christmas gift?

Perhaps you should attend to find out.

To book tickets to Love Actually? The Musical Parody, please visit https://loveactuallymusicalparody.com/.

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A Very Naughty Christmas: An Irreverent, Rude and Slightly Nude Cabaret

A Very Naughty Christmas

A Very Naughty Christmas Rating

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The Twelfth Night Theatre in Bowen Hills is packed out for A Very Naughty Christmas, an evening of festive filth and perfect end-of-year leer, courtesy of Woodward Productions. Billed as Australia’s longest running adults-only Christmas show, mixing stand-up, sketches, powerhouse vocals and dancing you don’t want you Mum to see, AVNC prides itself as a loud, proud and gloriously unholy comedy-concert-cabaret mashup, and a must see for merry mischief.

The concept is clever and perennially popular, now entering its 9th year of production; AVNC parodies favourite Christmas numbers, borrowing musically from popular culture while also comically satirizing more topical and serious issues; Because Santa is a foreigner with a beard and headdress, he may need to be detained at Christmas Island this festive season in “Santa Won’t Be Welcome Here”. “The Snowflakes are Ruining Christmas” is another highlight, the ode of a Sky News Australia watching ‘Trad Dad’, bemoaning social progress and inclusivity to the detriment of his bigoted and entitled world views. There is also an enjoyable skit where an Olympic Games bid for the North Pole is mooted, before running into predictable (and somewhat familiar!) logistical concerns.

 

 

The standard and versatility of the Cast is very high, each singing and dancing and many taking on distinct characters; They all blend beautifully together with dynamic chemistry and charisma. Highlights include Steve Hirst as Santa, bringing cheeky cheer and everyman likability, even though we are in the end slightly concerned for Santa’s missing sack! Sam Ward is perhaps my favourite individual vocalist, with a smooth jazzy croon and striking presence on stage, while the female singing trio (I believe they were Nina Carcione, Olivia Horne and Aurélie Roque) harmonised beautifully and looked just as great. Lara Trevor stood out among the dancers, with mesmerising rhythm and remarkable flexibility, with Anthony Craig, Lachlan Greenland and Croft Phillips commendably completing the talented Cast.

The Live Band are another first-rate feature, effortlessly elevating the atmosphere and tone of the evening.

So much work goes into this type of a show, and enormous credit is due to the entire team of creatives, led by Director/Choreographer Daniel Venz, with special mention also to the work of Skit Writer and Composer of Original Songs, Matt Semple. Great comedy is easy to watch but very hard to create; Judging by the opening night crowd’s response, AVNC delivers like Santa Claus on Christmas eve. The show is as full of surprises as it is double entendre, and the Cast are equal parts fearless and shameless. As the name suggests, this isn’t A Slightly Naughty Christmas; But if you are prone to blushes, don’t worry – red is a very festive hue. AVNC is an irreverent, rude and slightly nude cabaret- that promises tremendous fun.

To book tickets to A Very Naughty Christmas , please visit https://twelfthnight.com.au/.

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Lies And Macaroons – Who Is The Real Hero?

A Dolls House

A Dolls House Rating

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5

The Mercury Theatre in Wynnum performs in the lovely old Manly-Lota RSL Memorial Hall at 184 Melville Terrace, Manly QLD 4179. Their current production – “A Doll’s House” ends this weekend.

You are greeted by a warm glowing hall with a multi-level stage set with a Victorian styled parlour, a study, a piano and the Letterbox. The FOH staff are helpful and welcoming, and the barmen are humorous.

“A Doll’s House” is a three-act play written by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. It premiered at the Royal Danish Theatre in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 21 December 1879 and Ibsen was forced to write an alternative ending because his initial ending was considered scandalous for the Victorian era. It has been considered ahead of its time, because of the themes of male and female inequalities helping it to hold a modern appeal.

This version of the play has 6 characters:
Nora – the protagonist – petulant, self-indulgent yet still symbolic of a good Victorian wife – pretty, obedient to her husband, head of the household and a loving mother but has a secret.
Torvald – the antihero- breadwinner, domineering, respectable.
Krogstad – the antagonist – a lawyer, blackmailer, bully, desperate man with a secret
Mrs Linde – the Hero -a widow, humble, hardworking, morally sound
Dr Rank – the romantic interest – terminally ill, besotted with Nora, friend of the family.
Nanny – symbol of lower class, forced to give up her children to work for the family.

 

 

Elaina Mullins played Nora, the central character, a symbol of the time with a tendency to tell petty lies, until it is revealed that she has committed a crime of fraud. Pushed to this by a society that prevented married women taking control of their financial affairs. Elaina made good use of the stage, her costume was pretty, a Victorian-esque blouse and a pale pink overskirt. She was the wife a Banker and mother, with a weakness for macaroons.

Torvald, played by Derick Yearnsmith was the husband of Nora. An emotionless character, domineering and focused on work. The multi-level staging worked well – giving this character his own identifiable space.

Trevor Sammon played Krogstad, a believable villain, with a big physical presence that lent itself well to the character. Which he played emotionally detached from the business of blackmail.

Hugo Fong was Dr Rank, making good use of a walking stick to give characterization of an unwell man. His gentleness was a good contrast to the other male characters.

Helen Goleby, the Nanny popped in and out and gave believability to there being children in the household, dressed appropriately this character added a dimension as the servant.

But the real hero was Janet Palmer as Mrs Linde. Superb characterization, good range of emotion, her character was totally believable. Playing a childless widow (therefore unwanted by any man in that era) she must work to support herself. She rescues Nora, first by mending the skirt, then by listening to her problems. She helps Nora to face what she has done.

You can sit and watch this play and see a different version of the same play. The beauty of life theatre is that the longer the season, the likelihood of more layers being added, more discoveries made by the actors.

This is the last weekend so don’t miss out. It is a good solid play and the direction, tech and staging are delightful. The costumes were also on point helping to solidify the era.

Shows start at 7pm and 2pm
https://www.trybooking.com/DEOHJ

To book tickets to A Dolls House, please visit https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1450887.

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